The Optimist club is an international organization, dedicated to helping children, that has recently installed a chapter at BC.

BC’s Optimist club has 28 members and two advisers, Julie Lowe and T.G. Thomas, who are professors on campus.

Optimist International, created in 1919, has precincts all over the world that help young people in their respective communities. They have projects for the youth, hold fund-raisers for their individual programs, and mentor children ranging from toddlers to high school students. There are three chapters in Bakersfield other than BC’s. Currently, the BC Optimist Club is working with the North of the River Recreation and Park district on a youth fishing trip.

BC’s Optimist Club follows the guidelines of Optimist International, whose preamble states that they aim to “develop optimism as a philosophy of life,” “promote an interest in good government and civic affairs,” “inspire respect for the law,” “promote patriotism” and “aid & encourage the development of youth.”

Their motto is “by providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in kids.”

Optimist International members attend quarterly conferences near their respective geographic region. BC’s Optimist Club attended the conference in Solvang, California on Feb. 3.

There were 200 people who attended the conference, four of which were from BC. The convention had training sessions on fundraisers and leadership skills.

There is also a yearly conference where all Optimist International precincts meet, which will take place in Montreal, Canada on July 4 this year.

On Feb. 24 at noon, BC will host a presentation of the LA Optimist Club Youth Home.